John Evander Couey

On 23rd February nine-year-old Jessica Lunsford was snatched from her bedroom, bound and gagged. Police, volunteers and search dogs searched the neighbourhood, looking for the girl. When she was eventually found, and autopsy revealed that she had been sexually assaulted and she died from asphyxiation. It was never known just how long Jessica was kept alive before death.

John Evander Couey was suspected. Couey confessed. He claimed that he entered the Lunsford house through an unlocked door, went the to bedroom, put his hand over the girl’s mouth and told her to be quiet, then abducted her. He was charged with murder, kidnapping and sexual battery on a minor in connection with the abduction and death of Jessica Lunsford.